Briggs leaves Ashford through fitness concerns

Thursday 18th February 2010

ASHFORD TOWN boss Steve Lovell has announced that central midfielder Ryan Briggs has left the club, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 28-year-old was the third longest servant in Lovell’s current squad, having made 98 appearances for the club, having joined from local rivals Folkestone Invicta in November 2007.

Lovell explained to www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk why the former Dartford, West Ham United, Erith & Belvedere and Tonbridge Angels player has departed.

He said: “Ryan has decided that due to work and everything he can’t 100% commit at the moment as he is unable to put everything into his football.

“He is going to go away and try and get fit again and you never know he could return, not this season, but next season we will assess the situation again.

“You can see by his performances that he hasn’t totally had his mind on the game this season, hopefully he can go away and get fit again and come back as the player we know he can be.

“I would just like to put on record that Ryan was brilliant for us last season, he played a massive part in our long unbeaten run, on his day he is a superb player and I would like to thank him for his efforts here at Homelands."

Lovell’s men sealed a morale boosting win at Dulwich Hamlet last weekend, as Paul Jones’ third goal of an injury ravaged season gained the club only their third league win of the season.

"It was a really good performance; everyone battled hard and played their part,” said Lovell.

“The win has been a long time in coming so we are delighted with it. We have certainly improved since the turn of the year and really should have won some of the games we drew, but this win will give us great confidence and the lads intend to push on from here."

Eighth-placed side Horsham YMCA – on a nine-match unbeaten run - visit Homelands on Saturday.

Lovell’s men remain at the foot of the Ryman League Division One South table with 17 points from 24 games, but are only three points adrift of the side above them, Whitstable Town.

Lovell has confirmed a clean bill of health with the exception of long-term casualty, goalkeeper, Josh Willis.

Craig Cloke, who is on loan from Blue Square South side Dover Athletic, has recovered from a hamstring strain, whilst Lee Hockey and Toby Ashmore are also both fully fit.

Quotes courtesy of www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Ashford Town v Horsham YMCA
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 20^th February 2010
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ